Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento, Historical colonial city in southwestern Uruguay.
Description
Colonia del Sacramento is a city in southwestern Uruguay, located on a peninsula where the river meets the estuary. The old quarter sits behind remnants of walls, with low houses built from stone and plaster lining narrow lanes that open onto small squares.
History
Portuguese settlers founded the town in 1680 as a trading post facing Buenos Aires across the water. Control shifted between Portugal and Spain through wars and treaties until Uruguay gained independence in the 19th century.
Culture
The Municipal Museum contains artifacts from indigenous peoples, colonial settlers, and modern residents, demonstrating the evolution of local traditions over centuries.
Practical
Ferries cross from Buenos Aires in about an hour, arriving at a terminal within walking distance of the old quarter. The historic streets are easy to explore on foot, with most points reachable in a short walk from the waterfront.
Did you know?
The Calle de los Suspiros retains its original 17th-century paving and connects houses with Portuguese wooden balconies beside buildings in Spanish style with wrought-iron grilles. The Portón de Campo gate from 1745 still stands at the entrance to the old quarter, showing marks from cannon fire in its thick stone walls.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Colonia Department).
Uruguay offers something for every traveler, from vibrant cities to quiet natural spaces. Montevideo, the capital, draws visitors with its museums and distinctive buildings that tell the story of the country's past. Along the coast, Punta del Este is known for its beaches and upscale resorts, while...
Plaza de toros Real de San Carlos
4.2 km
Estadio Suppici
369 m
Lighthouse of Colonia
881 m
Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort
5 km
Laguna de los Patos
5.4 km
Museo Paleontológico Armando Calcaterra
3.7 kmAlejandro Berro Paleontology Museum
3.7 km
Casa de Nacarello
881 m
Portuguese Museum
809 m
Spanish Museum
746 m
Regional Archive (Colonia)
838 m
San Francisco Xavier Convent
872 m
Tile Museum (Colonia)
956 m
Gate of Colonia del Sacramento
723 mGeneral César Díaz Museum
1 kmFrontón Real de San Carlos
4.2 kmLetras de Colonia
3.2 kmCar машина
882 mCoche Florido
748 mYacht resto
976 mLacasa galería
867 mGaleria de los suspiros
793 mScenic viewpoint
3.9 kmScenic viewpoint
1 kmScenic viewpoint
942 mMirador de madera
2 kmMuelle de madera
795 mScenic viewpoint
980 m
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes